An Introduction to Seepage and Drainage

J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A., Fellow ASCE, Fellow AEI

Course Outline

1. INTRODUCTION
2.  SEEPAGE ANALYSIS
3.  SEEPAGE CONTROL BY CUTOFF
4.  DESIGN OF DRAINAGE BLANKET AND FILTERS
5.  WELLPOINT SYSTEMS AND DEEP WELLS
6.  LININGS FOR RESERVOIRS AND POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITIES
7.  EROSION CONTROL
8.  REFERENCES

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

Upon completion of this course you will:

• Learn techniques for analysis of seepage considerations at earth structure;
• Learn how to construct and apply flow net diagrams;
• Learn how to estimate seepage quantities for different soil conditions;
• Learn how to calculate seepage forces exerted on soils subject to seepage conditions;
• Learn about the conditions that lead to “boiling” seepage and mitigation techniques to minimize or eliminate its consequences;
• Learn the cutoff techniques for seepage control;
• Learn how to design and apply drainage blankets;
• Learn about the different types of reservoir linings and their applicability;
• Learn about “piping” failures and subsurface erosion; and
• Learn about wellpoint systems.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for civil engineers, structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, geologists and other design and construction professionals wanting an introduction to methods and techniques for seepage and drainage control for foundations of structures, and earth structures such as dams, reservoirs and levees.

Benefit for Attendee

This course will give engineers and other design and construction professionals an introduction to tools that can be used to evaluate seepage and drainage conditions and design for their mitigation and control.

Course Introduction

This is an introduction to methods and techniques for seepage and drainage control.

About Course Author

Paul Guyer is a registered mechanical engineer, civil engineer, fire protection engineer and architect with over 35 years experience in the design of buildings and related infrastructure.  For an additional 9 years he was a senior-level advisor to the California Legislature on infrastructure and capital outlay issues.  He has designed and supervised the design of hundreds of construction projects requiring the preparation of detailed working drawings and specifications for federal, state and local public agencies and private companies.  He is a graduate of Stanford University and has held numerous national, state and local positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers.

Course Content

The course content is contained in the following PDF file:

An Introduction to Seepage and Drainage

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Course Summary

This course will give you an introduction to seepage and drainage control for foundations and earth structures.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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